Let’s go back to February 2022 to understand the irony that is mentioned in the title + the mystery of why the fridge magnet means something to me.

Back in 2022, me and my parents were visiting my brother in Kota as he used to prepare for JEE. Out of nowhere, my father decided that we would visit Jaipur for a day because it’s nearby. And hence, we landed in Jaipur on February 28th, 2022.

But wait, before I was in Jaipur I was somewhere uncomfortable. Inside, I was in a dark place because I had been through a breakup very very recently. Although I don’t talk about such personal things publicly, this felt like worth sharing.

On the surface, my visit to Jaipur was pure joy—a vibrant trip filled with royal palaces, pretty views, good food, and smiles—a scene straight out of a postcard.

But deep down, I was shattered. My heart was heavy. My smile was fake. My joy was an act of pretense. That’s how I was at the moment. Broken.

But what it has to do with the effing magnet?

It wasn't until now, reflecting while writing, that I recognized the irony this simple fridge magnet reminds me of.

I remember buying it for a mere INR 60 on a whim outside Jantar Mantar from a street vendor carrying a basket overflowing with decor items and memoirs. Now, I always think of Jaipur whenever I see it. And it reminds me of my situation back then.